69 



shentli. Common on the Western plains and in the 'Rocky Monntaiu re.oion. It 

 is a tender species, apparently well liked by stock, and where it occurs abun- 

 dantly is very generally regarded as an important forage plant. In northern 

 central Kansas it is spoken of as one of the best early grasses, and the same is 

 said of it iu Young County, Texas. 



No. 225. Sporobolus indicus (Linn.) R. Br. Smut-grass. (Fig. 84.) 



A tufted, wiry, erect perennial, 1 to 3 feet high, with narrow, densely ilowered, 

 spike-like panicles 4 to 12 inches long. This grass is widely distributed through- 

 out the warmer temperate regions of the world, and has become quite common 

 in many parts of tlie Southern States, growing in scattered tufts or patches 

 about dwellings and in dry, open fields. As the season advances, the long, slen- 

 der panicles often become overgrown by fungus, so that they appear as if 



Fig. 83.— Alkali Saccatou (Sporobolus 

 a I ro ides). 



Fig. 84. — Smut-grass (Sjwrobolvs in- 

 dicus). 



attacked by smut ; hence the common name " Smut-grass." By some it is looked 

 upon as valuable for forage, but the stems soon become too tongh and wiry to 

 be readily eaten by stock, and in fields where this grass occurs it is usually 

 avoided by cattle when other food can be had. 



No. 226. Sporobolus junceus (Michx.) Kunth. Rush-grass. 



Common in the dry, pine-barren regions of the Southeastern States. It grows to the 

 height of 18 inches to 2 feet, and is of little or no agricultural value. This and 

 Aristida atricta are known throughout the South as "Wire-grass." 



No. 227. Sporobolus orientalis Kth. Usar-grass. 



A wiry, creeping perennial, with rather short, rigid leaves and diffuse panicles. It 

 is a native of India, growing upon saline soils, often constituting the entire veg- 

 etation of the extensive "usar " tracts of northern India, A valuable grass for 



